‘Imagination Light Canvas’ Encourages Visitors in Waiting Area to ‘Paint with Light’

ROGERS, ARKANSAS, Feb 28, 2008 / — Philips Electronics (PHG) unveiled today its “Imagination Light Canvas,” the first of its kind, during a media tour of the new Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Arkansas. The hospital will open its doors on March 16.

The canvas, displayed in the Women’s and Children’s waiting area, is an interactive light wall, 14-feet long and 6-feet high, that uses touch screen and Philips technologies to animate 1,420 LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. By using their hands to draw on the wall, visitors can “paint with light”, using an entire spectrum of colors and shapes. The images will remain visible for a few minutes and then disappear. The Imagination Light Canvas can accommodate up to six people drawing at the same time, yet only consumes the daily energy equivalent of a single toaster.

The Light Canvas is a gift from Philips employees to the patients and staff of the new hospital.

Paul Zeven, CEO of Philips Electronics North America, stated, “We wanted our gift to harness some of our advanced technologies that would provide the area residents with a positive, healing experience, delivered in a simple, easy-to-use manner, in keeping with our brand promise of ‘Sense and Simplicity.'”

“We created the Imagination Light Canvas specifically for the Women’s and Children’s waiting room of the new hospital,” he explained, “to lessen the tension, anxiety and stress that families often experience when waiting for child birth. We predict it will be a big hit with both children and adults.”

Susan Barrett, president of Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas, stated, “Mercy is extremely grateful to Philips for helping us transform the healthcare environment for our visitors.”

The new Mercy medical campus represents an extraordinary effort to transform the way healthcare institutions function. On one hand, it involves core issues such as patient safety and workplace simplification as well as the application of information technology to fundamental processes such as medication management and supply chain management; on the other, it entails replacing a 50-year old building with a new facility that will enable Mercy to continue its mission.